Inspiration Kitchen

entertain • inspire • encourage

Navigation
  • Recipes
  • Photography
  • Travel
  • About
    • Meet Kristi
    • Press
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Terms Of Use
  • Contact

Home » Desserts » Apple Walnut Cheesecake

Apple Walnut Cheesecake

December 5, 2014 by Kristi 52 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Apple Walnut Cheesecake is creamy, rich and delicious, topped with a Cinnamon & Sugar Apple Walnut topping that gives it great flavor and crunch!

What is your favorite cheesecake flavor?

This is a long-time fan and family favorite.  Notice I mention fan before family, yes?

Apple Walnut Cheesecake | Inspiration Kitchen Well that, right there, just proves it’s a favorite.  I mean, your family can’t really say they don’t like something you’ve baked, right?  Because if they did say that, you might (perhaps) slip a little sumthin’-sumthin’ in it, that they don’t like, the next time.

Apple Walnut Cheesecake - inspirationkitchen.comLike cucumbers, okra or red pepper flakes.  You know what I’m sayin’?  We cooks can hide that stuff.

“Mmmmmm good…”  they say, moaning ~ yet, you can see the slight question of fear in their eye.

Apple Walnut Cheesecake - inspirationkitchen.comNope.  Family stays loyal, no matter how bad it is.  Ya gotta love family.

Buttttt…, you can’t always trust them.  Haha!  JK.   🙂

Ok, let’s get real.  This cheesecake.  “Mmmmmm good…”  For real.

Apple Walnut Cheesecake 03 | Inspiration Kitchen

This is one of the most requested recipes I get from friends.  They love it.

IMO, the key to making this recipe is that you need to have tart (pucker up like your grandmother) Granny Smith apples.

Apple Cheesecake | Inspiration KitchenThis is important.

Why?  Well, because… tart apples when mixed with rich, creamy, indulgent Cream Cheese Cheesecake with their tart Granny Smith apple selves, dripping with a crisp, sweet, cinnamon/sugar and walnut topping…  seriously = to die for.

Apple Cheesecake | Inspiration Kitchen

You will love this Apple Cheesecake with Cinnamon, Sugar & Walnut Topping!

p.s.  When I chop the walnuts for the crust, I use a food processor so that they’re very fine.  For the top, however, I hand-break them apart so I have larger pieces for a prettier topping and better crunch.

Enjoy!

Apple Cheesecake | Inspiration Kitchen
Print Recipe

Apple Walnut Cheesecake

Course: Dessert
Author: Kristi

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts **
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup real butter

Filling

  • 2 8 ounce packages Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 eggs

Topping

  • 4 cups apple slices peeled, cored and sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup sugar*
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts **

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Crust

  • Mix graham crackers, walnuts, sugar, cinnamon and melted butter together and press into the bottom of a 9" springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

Filling

  • Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla at medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing at low speed after each addition until well blended. Pour over crust.

Topping

  • Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon until well-coated. Spoon apple mixture over filling and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
  • Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until center is almost set. Run knife or metal spatula around rim of plan to loosen cheesecake. Cool before removing cake from pan. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
  • Serve!

Notes

* used 1/2 cup of sugar because my home-grown Granny Smith apples were really tart! You may be able to use 1/3 cup sugar, depending on how sweet your apples are.
** typically I make this with pecans, not walnuts, so feel free to substitute pecans - they are rich and fabulous in this!

Apple Walnut Cheesecake

Filed Under: Desserts Tagged With: apple, apple desserts, apples, cake, cheesecake, cinnamon, dessert, desserts, desserts with apple, granny smith, granny smith apples, inspiration kitchen, pie, recipe, sugar, sweets, treats, walnut, walnut cheesecake

« Salmon Quiche
Montreal Steak Seasoning + $300 Amazon Giveaway »

Comments

  1. ananda says

    December 5, 2014 at 9:07 am

    that’s genius! apple crisp and cheese cake 2-in-1!! LOVE LOVE!!! =) your apple tree is beautiful too!! ( oh kristi i made a comment on your salmon quiche but the page went blank, so it never got through)

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:12 am

      Thanks Ananda! You would love this cheesecake – it’s a favorite of everyones!

      Reply
  2. Josefine {The Smoothie Lover} says

    December 5, 2014 at 9:36 am

    Yumm… I have a serious obsession with cheesecake and this looks so good. An excuse for making it even at Christmas time 😉
    I’ve actually not tried that many different flavours. But I love it topped with berries or the lemon-poppyseed kind .

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:13 am

      I love cheesecake topped with berries too! You’re making me hungry! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Manali @ CookWithManali says

    December 5, 2014 at 9:36 am

    Yummm!! Lovee cheesecake and this looks so good Kristi…Some caramel sauce drizzled on top of this will be fantastic 😀 Pinning!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:13 am

      OMGosh, you’re right Manali – caramel sauce on this would be amazing! I need to try that next time!

      Reply
  4. Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says

    December 5, 2014 at 10:33 am

    This looks delicious, Kristi. I’m pretty boring when it comes to cheesecake, generally my favorite is plain. But you’ve got me drooling with that crumbly topping!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:14 am

      I like cheesecake of all kinds 🙂 so plain sounds good to me!

      Reply
  5. Marcie says

    December 5, 2014 at 6:35 pm

    I can see why this is your most requested recipe — it looks SO creamy, and with the walnuts in the crust, that streusel, and pucker up your mouth tart apples? Heaven! A big slice of heaven. Pinned.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:14 am

      Thanks for the pin Marcie! We love this cheesecake!

      Reply
  6. whatjessicabakednext says

    December 6, 2014 at 11:53 am

    This cheesecake looks superb! Love the apple and walnut combo and it’s such an amazing idea combining those flavours into a delicious cheesecake! Bookmarking!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 6, 2014 at 1:50 pm

      Thanks for the bookmark Jessica! We love this cheesecake, and I think you will too!

      Reply
  7. Medeja says

    December 6, 2014 at 11:14 pm

    This cheesecake definitely sounds like a treat I must try 🙂 thanks!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 7, 2014 at 6:19 am

      Thanks Medeja! We love this cheesecake! Have a great week!

      Reply
  8. Tash says

    December 7, 2014 at 1:32 am

    Oh my goodness Kristi!! I knew from the name alone that this one was gonna be a stunner 😉 Perfect for Christmas – it might even be making an appearance on our table this year actually 🙂 Thanks for the recipe, fantastic photos too, mouth watering!

    Sorry to have seemingly disappeared, life is crazy right now. Hopefully I will be able to join in on the baking fun again during Christmas break! I miss all of the homemade goodies :'(

    Have a fab weekend 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 7, 2014 at 6:19 am

      Thanks Tash! Life is always crazy during the holidays – so no worries. It’s always lovely to hear from you! Have a beautiful week, my friend! xoxo

      Reply
  9. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

    December 7, 2014 at 2:00 am

    Hehe you are so funny. I don’t know if I see fear in my family’s faces-they’re probably too honest for that which can be a good or bad thing! 😛 But I’m absolutely positive that they’d love this!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 7, 2014 at 6:21 am

      Thanks Lorraine! So glad to make you laugh!

      Reply
  10. Monica says

    December 7, 2014 at 4:34 am

    This is so unique! It’s like a cheesecake-apple pie/crisp in one. It would be a knock-out way to cap off a dinner party.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 7, 2014 at 6:21 am

      Thanks Monica! You’re right – I never thought of it that way, but it is like apple crisp and cheesecake in one!

      Reply
  11. Kelly says

    December 7, 2014 at 5:02 am

    This cheesecake looks incredible!!! I love that you combined an apple crisp and cheesecake! I could definitely see why this is your most requested! It sounds amazing and that sugary apple walnut topping is totally calling my name! I

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 8, 2014 at 7:48 am

      Thanks Kelly! We really do love this one!

      Reply
  12. Ella-HomeCookingAdventure says

    December 7, 2014 at 5:26 am

    Ever since I’ve made apple cheesecake bars, this combination became one of my favorites too.. Yours looks truly irresistible.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 8, 2014 at 7:49 am

      Thanks Ella! Apple Cheesecake Bars sounds amazing too!

      Reply
  13. Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says

    December 7, 2014 at 7:14 am

    I think this is now my favorite cheesecake! lol! It looks amazing and you SOLD that apple walnut topping! I am a fan of any nut crust. Mmmmm. Cheesecakes and apples and nuts and brown sugar. Apparently I don’t hide evil surprises inside what I make enough because my husband has NO problem telling me exactly what he thinks until I say, “ENOUGH! I get it. You hated it. Moving on.” Seriously that man… But I’ll fix his wagon with your tip…tee hee! 😉

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 7, 2014 at 7:50 pm

      Hahahahaha! Lindsey, I ssssoooo love you. I really do. You make me laugh every.single.time. xoxo!

      Reply
  14. Kristi @ My SF Kitchen says

    December 7, 2014 at 12:45 pm

    Apples and walnuts go perfectly together! This looks incredible!!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 7, 2014 at 7:51 pm

      Thanks Kristi – we sssooo love this one! Have a great week!

      Reply
  15. Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says

    December 7, 2014 at 8:51 pm

    This could be my new favorite cheesecake!! My normal favorite is anything with peanut butter 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 8, 2014 at 7:43 am

      I’m a huge fan of PB too Ashley – so I know what you’re talking about!

      Reply
  16. Samina | The Cupcake Confession says

    December 7, 2014 at 9:49 pm

    You are so right Kristi!!!! I always serve food to my mum with an advance warning – they have to say it’s good NO MATTER WHAT ! hahahahah!!! But seriously though, who can say NO to cheesecake???? And especially a cheesecake like this with apples, walnuts and cinnamon? I need this in my life! <3

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 8, 2014 at 7:44 am

      You’re right Samina! I don’t know a single person that can say no to cheesecake!

      Reply
  17. Annie+@+ciaochowbambina says

    December 7, 2014 at 11:53 pm

    This sounds delicious! And your apple pictures are so pretty!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 8, 2014 at 7:44 am

      Thank you Annie – if you get a chance, you will love this cheesecake.

      Reply
  18. Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says

    December 8, 2014 at 12:52 am

    Well I can see why your family likes it! These flavors sounds ADDICTING. Can you come to my birthday party next year and bring this? Pretty please?

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 8, 2014 at 7:46 am

      Yes! I’d love to bring this to your birthday party Sarah! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Nutmeg Nanny says

    December 8, 2014 at 8:42 am

    I love the idea of apples and walnuts on my cheesecake. Usually I’m fan of eating it plain but I love this winter twist.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 8, 2014 at 2:34 pm

      Thank you, Brandy! We love this cheesecake, and you’re right – it has a winter twist! 🙂

      Reply
  20. April says

    December 8, 2014 at 8:52 am

    sounds wonderful, i love cheesecake!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 8, 2014 at 2:34 pm

      Me too April – I love cheesecake in EVERY form! 🙂

      Reply
  21. Mallory @ Chocolate with Grace says

    December 8, 2014 at 5:44 pm

    I love these flavor! Apples and walnuts together are amazing!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 8, 2014 at 9:36 pm

      Thanks Mallory! They are great flavors!

      Reply
  22. Renee@Two in the Kitchen says

    December 8, 2014 at 7:28 pm

    Ha,ha Kristi, you always make me laugh!!! okra or red pepper flakes hidden in the recipe; HA, your family better watch out!! 😉 In all honesty, there would be no reason to pretend to like this cheesecake. It looks amazing!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 8, 2014 at 9:37 pm

      Thanks Renee! I love, love, love that I can make you laugh! 🙂 xoxo

      Reply
  23. K / Pure & Complex says

    December 9, 2014 at 7:01 am

    I don’t care what flavor of cheesecake you put in front of me, because I’m definitely gonna want a taste lol. This looks amazing

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 9, 2014 at 7:19 am

      Hahahaha! You and me both! I love cheesecake of any kind!

      Reply
  24. dina says

    December 9, 2014 at 1:51 pm

    looks like a lovely cheesecake!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 9, 2014 at 2:59 pm

      Thanks Dina! I’m so glad you like it!

      Reply
  25. Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says

    December 9, 2014 at 3:24 pm

    This cheesecake sounds awesome!! I agree tart apples are the best for baking! So perfect for the season!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 10, 2014 at 6:22 am

      Thank you Jess – this is definitely a fall/winter cheesecake – I agree!

      Reply
  26. Amy (Savory Moments) says

    December 11, 2014 at 3:44 am

    This cheesecake looks SO good! I love apples, but have never used them with a cheesecake. I’m pinning this for sure so I remember it for when I’m wondering what to do with all my apples next fall after we go picking.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      December 11, 2014 at 5:59 am

      Thanks Amy – I’m so glad to give you a recipe that will help with your apples next year. I know what you mean – I have an apple tree that’s very generous!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
Hi, I'm Kristi. If you're here because you love food like I do, you're in for a treat! I want to entertain, inspire & encourage you to take risks in the kitchen. Come join me! Learn More →

Appetizers

Cherry Tomato Tapenade - inspirationkitchen.com
Baked Jamaican Jerk Dry Rub Chicken Wings - inspirationkitchen.com
Guacamole - inspirationkitchen.com
Carne Asada Street Tacos - inspirationkitchen.com

More Appetizers

Hi, I'm Kristi. Welcome to IK. Here you'll find delicious recipes, a little bit of comfort and a lot of inspiration for your table.

Popular Posts

2nd Anniversary Post | Inspiration Kitchen
Cascade Ice Review & Giveaway | Inspiration Kitchen
Applesauce Bars | Inspiration Kitchen
Healthy Mushroom Soup | Inspiration Kitchen
Candied Pecan Maple Ice Cream | Inspiration Kitchen

Copyright © 2023